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SUMMARY Trade-off relationships are considered key to understanding the mechanisms supporting the coexistence of multiple species within kelp beds. Thus, information on trade-offs is expected to contribute to conservation of kelp bed diversity. To test the existence of a trade-off between productivity and thallus toughness, thallus traits and relationships between the traits were examined for seven species of Laminariales including 24 populations. For each population, photosynthetic capacity per unit biomass (as A mass) and nitrogen (i.e., photosynthetic nitrogen-use efficiency, PNUE), nitrogen content (as N mass), thallus mass per unit thallus area (as TMA) and force required to penetrate the thallus (as F p, a common index of leaf toughness in land plants by punch test) were determined. A mass increased with increasing N mass. Blades with high N mass showed high A mass. These blades may invest a large proportion of nitrogen to the photosynthetic parts, and consequently exhibit high metabolic rates. Moreover, blades with high N mass tended to be associated with low TMA, and N mass decreased with increasing TMA. A significant negative correlation was observed between TMA and A mass because of the linkage of high A mass with high N mass and high N mass associated with low TMA, while a significant positive correlation was observed between TMA and F p. The two correlations indicate the existence of a trade-off between productivity and thallus toughness in Laminariales. PNUE showed a significant negative correlation with TMA, which also showed a significant positive correlation with F p as the index of thallus toughness, and therefore a trade-off relationship between productivity and thallus toughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social cognitive skills are indispensable for successful communication with others. Substantial research has determined deficits in these abilities in patients with mental disorders. In neurobiological development and continuing into adulthood, cross-cultural differences in social cognition have been demonstrated. Moreover, symptomatic patterns in mental disorders may vary according to the cultural background of an individual. Cross-cultural studies can thus help in understanding underlying (biological) mechanisms and factors that influence behavior in health and disease. In addition, studies that apply novel paradigms assessing the impact of culture on cognition may benefit and advance neuroscience research. In this review, the authors give an overview of cross-cultural research in the field of social cognition in health and in mental disorders and provide an outlook on future research directions, taking a neuroscience perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The annual kelp Eckloniopsis radicosa is distributed along Japanese coasts and occurs within the area with a February isotherm ranging 15-18° C and August isotherm ranging 25-28° C. In this study, the effects of temperature on the gametophyte growth and maturation, and the young sporophyte growth of E. radicosa were examined and the results are discussed in relation to the distribution of other warm-adapted kelp species and the potential effects of climate change. The optimal temperature ranges for growth of male and female gametophytes were 23-27° C and 20-26° C, respectively. The upper survival temperature for gametophyte growth was 31° C for males and 30° C for females, respectively. The optimal temperature range for maturation of female gametophytes was ≤23° C. The optimal temperature range for growth of young sporophytes was 14-22° C. It was clarified that E. radicosa has the most warm-adapted characteristics for growth and maturation of gametophytes among members of the Laminariales studied so far. The natural seawater temperature ranges during the growth and maturation seasons for gametophytes of E. radicosa, as well as the growth season for young sporophytes near to the northern and southern distribution limits ( Izu- Oshima: 14.9-24.5° C, Ichiki-kushikino: 17.1-29.6° C), agreed with the experimentally determined temperature requirements. The warm-adapted gametophyte stage and annual lifecycle are major factors enabling survival of E. radicosa in warm waters near tropical regions along the Japanese coast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Becke's three-parameter hybrid technique has been used to establish the optimized structures and energies of transient species in thermal decomposition of 1,2-dioxetane and 3,3,4,4-tetramethyl-1,2,-dioxetane. Attention is given to the reaction rates of the thermal dissociation and the yield of chemiluminescence.

A taxonomic revision of Lobophora based on molecular phylogenetic analyses of rbcL and cox3 gene sequences as well as anatomical observations was carried out, mostly based on specimens collected from eastern Asia and southeastern Australia. In the molecular phylogenetic analyses, nine major clades supported by high bootstrap values were recognized. In combination with evaluation of morphological characters, four clades were concluded to be new species. The Australian species L. australis sp. nov. possessed erect thalli with sporangial son scattered on the ventral surface and had a closer phylogenetic relationship with another Australian species, L. nigrescens, but it was distinguished from the latter in having fewer layers of cortical cells and smaller sporangia. The Asian species L. crassa sp. nov., L. pachyventera sp. nov. and L. asiatica sp. nov. possessed decumbent thalli with sporangia scattered on the dorsal surface. Among the three prostrate species, L. crassa had a considerably thicker thallus with four to five cortical layers, L. asiatica had a thinner thallus with two cortical layers, and L. pachyventera differed from another two species by its three-layered ventral cortex and well-developed anchoring rhizoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sea slug Plakobranchus ocellatus (Sacoglossa, Gastropoda) retains photosynthetically active chloroplasts from ingested algae (functional kleptoplasts) in the epithelial cells of its digestive gland for up to 10 months. While its feeding behavior has not been observed in natural habitats, two hypotheses have been proposed: 1) adult P. ocellatus uses kleptoplasts to obtain photosynthates and nutritionally behaves as a photoautotroph without replenishing the kleptoplasts; or 2) it behaves as a mixotroph (photoautotroph and herbivorous consumer) and replenishes kleptoplasts continually or periodically. To address the question of which hypothesis is more likely, we examined the source algae for kleptoplasts and temporal changes in kleptoplast composition and nutritional contribution. By characterizing the temporal diversity of P. ocellatus kleptoplasts using rbcL sequences, we found that P. ocellatus harvests kleptoplasts from at least 8 different siphonous green algal species, that kleptoplasts from more than one species are present in each individual sea slug, and that the kleptoplast composition differs temporally. These results suggest that wild P. ocellatus often feed on multiple species of siphonous algae from which they continually obtain fresh chloroplasts. By estimating the trophic position of wild and starved P. ocellatus using the stable nitrogen isotopic composition of amino acids, we showed that despite the abundance of kleptoplasts, their photosynthates do not contribute greatly to the nutrition of wild P. ocellatus, but that kleptoplast photosynthates form a significant source of nutrition for starved sea slugs. The herbivorous nature of wild P. ocellatus is consistent with insights from molecular analyses indicating that kleptoplasts are frequently replenished from ingested algae, leading to the conclusion that natural populations of P. ocellatus do not rely on photosynthesis but mainly on the digestion of ingested algae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many of the genes that control photosynthesis are carried in the chloroplast. These genes differ among species. However, evidence has yet to be reported revealing the involvement of organelle genes in the initial stages of plant speciation. To elucidate the molecular basis of aquatic plant speciation, we focused on the unique plant species Chara braunii C. C. Gmel. that inhabits both shallow and deep freshwater habitats and exhibits habitat-based dimorphism of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA). Here, we examined the 'shallow' and 'deep' subpopulations of C. braunii using two nuclear DNA (nDNA) markers and cpDNA. Genetic differentiation between the two subpopulations was measured in both nDNA and cpDNA regions, although phylogenetic analyses suggested nuclear gene flow between subpopulations. Neutrality tests based on Tajima's D demonstrated diversifying selection acting on organelle DNA regions. Furthermore, both 'shallow' and 'deep' haplotypes of cpDNA detected in cultures originating from bottom soils of three deep environments suggested that migration of oospores (dormant zygotes) between the two habitats occurs irrespective of the complete habitat-based dimorphism of cpDNA from field-collected vegetative thalli. Therefore, the two subpopulations are highly selected by their different aquatic habitats and show prezygotic isolation, which represents an initial process of speciation affected by ecologically based divergent selection of organelle genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY The pattern centre in valve morphogenesis is an annulus in centric diatoms or a sternum in pennate diatoms. The genus Rhaphoneis is currently placed within a lineage that diverges at the root of the pennate diatom clade in most molecular phylogenies, and its valves have a unique pattern to their striae, i.e. radiating from both apices, giving the impression that a pattern centre exists at both ends of the valve and virgae (ribs) formation proceeds centripetally. The present study, however, shows that the pattern centre is actually a linear sternum and the formation of virgae proceeds centrifugally, a pattern centre that is commonly found in most araphid diatoms. Thus, the hypothesis that valve morphogenesis based on a linear sternum and perpendicular virgae is a synapomorphy of pennate diatoms is supported. Our study also demonstrates that the pattern of valve formation can be observed by light microscopy with a direct mounting method when the specimen is relatively large, i.e. exceeding approximately 50 µm in valve length. An important advantage of the use of the direct mounting method is that it requires no repeated centrifugation steps for dehydration, steps necessary for observation by a scanning electron microscope, causing the loss and/or collapse of the specimen, particularly with fragile valves in the early stages of development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemiluminescence (CL) mechanism of oxidophenyl-substituted 1,2-dioxetane was investigated by performing TD-DFT calculations on biradicals of three model compounds. We propose a novel mechanism of CL in which excitation of a dissociative intermediate by infrared radiation (IRE) of the surrounding solvent is considered. The excitation energies and oscillator strengths (f-values) were estimated for intermediates along the reaction coordinate (Rx). The difference in efficiencies of CL between syn- and anti-isomers of m-oxidophenyl-dioxetane is explained using the difference in potential curves of the singlet excited states (S) and the IRE mechanism. At the point where the biradical of the anti-isomer decomposes into two fragments, the interaction between the S and triplet (T) states is induced by a significant back electron transfer (BET) from the dioxetane group to the oxido-phenyl group and the S1excited state is stabilized and CL efficiency is enhanced. In the syn-isomer, the barrier in the S1potential curve to reach the final CL state is higher than for the anti-isomer, which reduces the efficiency. The poor CL yield for the p-isomer is ascribed to a much higher barrier in the potential curve of the S1state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chara braunii is a charalean species that grows in a range of aquatic habitats from shallow water in paddy fields to the bottom of deep lakes. More than 30 infraspecific taxa have been proposed within this species because of its morphological variability. In order to reexamine the infraspecific taxa and habitat preference of C. braunii, we carried out molecular phylogenetic analyses and quantitative measurements of morphological characters used for infraspecific taxa, based on samples collected from various habitats and localities in Japan. Sequence data from the gene encoding the large subunit of Rubisco (rbcL) and the intergenic spacer regions between the beta subunit of the ATP synthase and rbcL genes demonstrated two robust clades (groups A and B). Samples of group A were collected mainly from shallow aquatic environments (< 15 cm in depth) such as paddy fields, while those of group B were mainly composed of samples found in deep aquatic environments (> 1 m in depth) such as lakes or ponds. Groups A and B therefore seem to represent closely related entities that have recently differentiated and might adapt to two different aquatic environments. However, the morphological measurements suggested these groups can be delineated by neither of the traditional diagnoses that were different between infraspecific taxa of Japanese plants of C. braunii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examination of Grammatophora marina from rough and clonal cultures showed that cell size changes were more flexible than is generally reported for diatoms. Allogamous sexual auxosporulation took place through copulation between small male cells and larger female cells, but only in mixed rough culture and never in clonal cultures. Auxospores were also formed without copulation in clonal cultures ('uniparental auxosporulation') and these, like sexual auxospores, developed through formation of a perizonium, which consisted of a series of transverse bands. All of these bands, including the primary band, were open. Circular scales were present in the auxospore wall before initiation of perizonium formation and irregular, elongate structures lined the suture of the transverse perizonium. Perizonium and scales resembled those of another araphid pennate diatom, Gephyria media. Initial cells were formed within the perizonium and consisted of an initial epivalve with a simplified structure, an initial hypovalve (formed beneath the perizonium suture) and a third, normally structured valve formed beneath the epivalve; the epivalve was then sloughed off. Initial cells of similar configuration but often aberrant morphology could also be formed through expansion from vegetative cells, without involvement of a perizonium. Vegetative cells were also capable of limited enlargement through simple expansion without formation of an initial cell, and abrupt size reduction. Cell size ranges in populations from different regions suggest that G. marina may contain pseudocryptic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, we examined the cytocompatibility of eight vinyl esters as candidate plasticizers for producing phthalate- and ethanol-free tissue conditioners. We measured the estrogenic activity and cytotoxicity of vinyl esters in human fibroblasts and keratinocytes using an E-screen assay and a mitochondrial dye conversion assay, respectively. We also assessed the cytotoxicity of three prototype materials and commercially available tissue conditioners on human fibroblasts grown in collagen gels. Finally, we measured the effects of these materials on the expression of cytokines in three-dimensional cultures by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. None of the tested vinyl esters had estrogenic activity. Vinyl octanoate and vinyl pivalate were the least cytotoxic of the eight tested vinyl esters. In the same vein, a prototype tissue conditioner containing vinyl octanoate had equivalent or weaker cytotoxicity and induction of cytokine expression than conventional materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. In an experimental flume, we examined the effects of a biomass reduction and alteration of taxonomic composition, because of grazing by the fish Plecoglossus altivelis, on the net biomass accumulation of periphyton. 2. Grazed and ungrazed assemblages with different biomass and taxonomic composition were first prepared in fish enclosures and exclosures, respectively. These assemblages were then set out in the flume and incubated for 2 days under grazing-free conditions to examine (i) the relationship between biomass and biomass accumulation rate and (ii) the effect of taxonomic composition on the relationship between these two. 3. The grazed and ungrazed assemblages were dominated by upright filamentous cyanobacteria and diatoms, respectively. The rate of biomass accumulation decreased with increasing periphyton biomass in both the grazed and ungrazed assemblages, and was lower in the grazed than the ungrazed assemblages at any biomass level. 4. The results showed that the reduction in biomass and the alteration of taxonomic composition due to fish grazing have opposite effects on biomass-specific productivity. Biomass accumulation rate increased in response to biomass reduction, although a shift in dominance from diatoms to upright filamentous cyanobacteria decreased the overall productivity of the periphyton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to develop an effective primer to improve the adhesive property between all kinds of dental metal alloy and resin cement. To this end, we synthesized N,N'-dimethacryloylcystine (NDMCC) which had both disulfide functional group (to improve adhesion between precious metal alloy and resin) and carboxyl group (to improve adhesion between non-precious metal alloy and resin). With the presence of SuperBond C&B, the adhesion between precious, semi-precious, and non-precious dental metal alloys and resin cement was improved when compared to the untreated controls. However, the adhesive property between all types of dental metal alloy and resin cement was not improved with Panavia 21EX. In particular, reduced bond strength in the case of non-precious metal alloy was speculated to arise from the acid-base neutralization reaction between the carboxyl group of NDMCC and the amine present in the polymerization initiator system of Panavia 21EX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study clarifies the fine structure of the vegetative frustules, initial valves and perizonium of Achnanthes crenulata Grunow. The valves of the vegetative cell are distinctly linear-lanceolate with an undulate margin. The valve face is quite flat and in girdle view is smoothly curved as in species of Gephyria (Bacillariophyceae). However, the valve face of the initial cells is slightly rounded and does not have an undulate margin. Furthermore, the rapheless sternum is centrally positioned along the apical axis of the araphid initial valve. As this taxon develops from auxospore to initial valve, it forms only longitudinal perizonial bands; no transverse bands arise. The perizonium consists of three silicified bands: one large, central longitudinal plate and two bands that underlie this plate; these two bands are either open or closed. This taxon has several conspicuous structures compared to other marine species of Achnanthes, but the structure of the perizonium supports the position of A. crenulata within Achnanthes sensu stricto. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grazing effects of ayu, Plecoglossus altivelis Temminck et Schegel, on the benthic algal assemblages were investigated in the Chikuma River, Japan. Comparison of the algal composition on boulders with and without intensively grazed patches indicated that fish grazing decreased the abundance of diatoms and prostrate filamentous cyanobacteria and caused upright filamentous cyanobacteria to predominate. Differential consumption by ayu was estimated by comparing the relative abundance of algae in the stomach contents of ayu and that in the algal assemblages within the grazed patches. The results showed that ayu consumed the prostrate filamentous cyanobacteria proportionally to their abundance, whereas they ingested diatoms and the upright filamentous cyanobacteria in a larger and lower quantity, respectively, than that expected from their abundance. Differential consumption would involve the change in the algal composition toward the predominance of upright filamentous cyanobacteria under fish grazing conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taxonomic re-examination of Dictyopteris punctata Noda revealed vegetative and reproductive characters that were not described in the original description. The outer one-fifth to two-fifths of the blade margin was monostromatic. Reproductive organs of female and male gametophytes were observed for the first time. All reproductive organs (sporangia, oogonia, antheridia) were formed on middle to upper parts of thalli and between the midrib and distromatic area of the blades, and never produced on the monostromatic areas. Maturation starts earlier at the lower part. Sporangia were solitary and scattered. Oogonia were scattered singly or in small groups and more densely distributed than sporangia. Antheridial sori were scattered around a midrib, and raised above the wing surfaces. Antheridia were taller around the midrib than in the middle part of a wing. The monostromatic wings and lack of distinct oogonial sori are new taxonomic characters of Dictyopteris punctata and further define this species with scattered sporangia, the taxonomic character hitherto used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study clarifies the fine structure of the vegetative and initial valves of Achnanthes yaquinensis and briefly compares them to other Achnanthes species. It also elucidates the structure of the perizonium, based on auxospore development in short-term cultures. The araphid valve has marginal ridges and terminal spines that allow connecting valves to form a chain. The terminal spines develop from the rapheless sternum. The complete cingulum consists of 3–5 split bands with two rows of areolae. These features can be used to discriminate species within the genus. Sexual reproduction is isogamous with two mother cells producing two auxospores, which are enclosed in mucilage. The perizonium develops on one side of an auxospore only, comprising one large central longitudinal band and four closed bands. There are no transverse perizonial bands. The raphid valve of the initial cell forms first, underneath the longitudinal perizonium, followed by the araphid valve, which is not covered by any perizonial bands. The araphid valve of the initial cells lacks a marginal spine, and the rapheless sternum lies more centrally than in the vegetative cell. The relationship of the genus Achnanthes to other monoraphid diatoms is discussed briefly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of salinity on growth, maturation and photosynthesis were examined in the filamentous algaRhizocloniumsp. (Cladophoraceae, Chlorophyta) growing in a brackish water habitat in a canal draining into Tokyo Bay, Japan. In this habitatRhizocloniumsp. was exposed to a wide salinity range, both daily, 5−23‰ during November 1996, and hourly, 6−24‰ during the spring tide day. From the results of culture experiments, growth and maturation ofRhizocloniumsp. occurred in the wide salinity range of 10−40‰ at 20 µmol photons m−2s−1 at 20°C, but did not occur at salinity of 0‰. Light saturation on the photosynthesis-irradiance curve at 20°C at 20‰ was reached at 100 µmol photons m−2s−1, which is characteristic for shade-adapted algae. On the photosynthesis-salinity curve at 20°C at saturated irradiance (160 µmol photons m−2s−1), the net photosynthetic rate increased with increasing salinity up to 30‰ but decreased at 40‰. On the photosynthesis-salinity curve at 20°C at 20 µmol photons m−2s−1 (at nearin situirradiance), the photosynthetic rates were almost the same in the salinity range from 0 to 40‰. Therefore, this species is able to grow, reproduce and photosynthesize with a relative efficiency in a wide salinity range, which shows that it is well adapted to a brackish water environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physiological properties of the temperate hermatypic coral Acroporapruinosa Brook with symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) on the southerncoast of the Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan,were compared between summer and winter. Photosynthesis and respirationrates of the coral with symbiotic zooxanthellae were measured insummer and winter under controlled temperatures and irradianceswith a differential gas-volumeter (Productmeter). Net photosyntheticrate under all irradiances was higher in winter than in summer at thelower range of temperature (12−20°C), while lower thanin summer at the higher range of temperature (20−30°C).The optimum temperature for net photosynthesis was apt to fall withthe decrease of irradiance both in summer and winter, whereas itwas higher in summer than in winter under each irradiance. At 25/50/100 µmolphotons m-2 s-1, it was nearly the sea­watertemperature in each season. Dark respiration rate was higher inwinter than in summer, especially in the range from 20−30°C.In both seasons the optimum temperature for gross photosynthesiswas 28°C under 400 µmol photons m-2 s-1 andlowered with decreasing irradiance up to 22°C under 25 µmolphotons m-2 s-1 in summer, while 20°Cunder the same irradiance in winter. The optimum temperature forproduction/respiration (P/R) ratio was higherin summer than in winter under each irradiance. Results indicatedthat metabolism of coral and zooxanthellae is adapted to ambienttemperature condition under nearly natural irradiance in each season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Genetic and functional studies have indicated that the type IV secretion system (TFSS) of Helicobacter pylori forms a secretion complex in the cell envelope that protrudes towards the outside in order to inject CagA protein into gastric epithelial cells. However, the proposed structural model is based on partial amino acid homology with the components of the Agrobacterium tumefaciens TFSS. Therefore, we undertook the identification of the structural features of the TFSS exposed on the surface of H. pylori and found that filamentous structures present on the bacterial surface are related to the secretion apparatus. Using immunofluorescence microscopy with antibodies directed to tyrosine-phosphorylated CagA (pY-CagA) and Hp0532 (VirB7) in the infection assay, pY-CagA signals were detected just below the host cell-attached bacteria, where Hp0532 (VirB7) signals were detected as co-localized, suggesting that the CagA injected into the host cell through the TFSS apparatus is still mostly confined to the areas just below the attached bacteria after being phosphorylated. Furthermore, the filamentous structures on bacterium were found to be associated with Hp0532 (VirB7) or Hp0528 (VirB9), the major components of TFSS, by immunogold electron microscopy. These results strongly suggest that the H. pylori TFSS apparatus is a filamentous macromolecular structure protruding from the bacterial envelope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: BackgroundThe endoventricular circular patch plasty (Dor procedure) applies to patients with a left ventricular dysfunction due to an ischemic dilated ventricle. In the present study, we analyzed left ventricular energetics in patients who underwent the Dor procedure.: MethodsWe measured left ventricular contractility (end-systolic elastance; Ees), afterload (effective arterial elastance; Ea), and efficiency (ventriculoarterial coupling; Ea/Ees, and the ratio of stroke work and pressure-volume area; SW/PVA) based on the cardiac catheterization data before and after the Dor procedure in 8 patients with a postinfarction dyskinetic anterior left ventricular aneurysm. Concomitant procedures included coronary artery bypass grafting in all patients, mitral valve repair in one patient, and cryoablation in one patient. End-systolic elastance (Ees) and Ea were approximated as follows: Ees = mean arterial pressure/minimal left ventricular volume, and Ea = maximal left ventricular pressure/(maximal left ventricular volume–minimal left ventricular volume), and thereafter Ea/Ees and SW/PVA were calculated. The left ventricular volume was normalized with the body surface area.: ResultsEnd-systolic elastance (Ees) increased after the Dor procedure (from 1.15 ± 0.60 to 1.86 ± 0.84 mm Hg · m2 · mL-1, p < 0.01), thus resulting in an improvement in Ea/Ees and SW/PVA (from 2.94 ± 1.11 to 1.64 ± 0.49, p < 0.01, and from 0.426 ± 0.110 to 0.559 ± 0.082, p < 0.01, respectively), even though Ea did not substantially change (from 2.96 ± 0.78 to 2.74 ± 0.55 mm Hg · m2 · mL-1, p = 0.4).: ConclusionsLeft ventricular contractility and efficiency improves after the Dor procedure in patients with a dyskinetic anterior left ventricular aneurysm. However, afterload does not change. The use of appropriate afterload-reducing therapy thus plays an especially important role in the management of patients who undergo the Dor procedure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary Sporophytes of Ecklonia cava Kjellman (Laminariales, Phaeophyta) were collected seasonally from within 3-4 replicate, 1-m2 quadrates, haphazardly placed in dense assemblages at 6-9 m depth in Tei, Tosa Bay (southern Japan; water temperature 15-29°C) from 1995 to 1996, and in Nabeta Bay, Shimoda (central Japan; water temperature 13-25°C) from 1996 to 1997. Growth rings were checked for all samples and mean values of each biometric parameter of sporophytes 1-year-old and over were compared. The plant length (stipe length + primary blade length) was always shorter in Tei sporophytes (24-52 cm) than Nabeta sporophytes (70-100 cm), the difference being mainly owing to the shorter stipe length in Tei sporophytes (7-14 cm) than in Nabeta sporophytes (54-83 cm). However, the primary blade length was sometimes longer in Tei sporophytes (12-38 cm) than in Nabeta sporophytes (14-21 cm). Stipe diameter, longest bladelet length and primary blade width were mostly less in Tei sporo­phytes (8.6-12.4 mm, 5.5-7.0 cm and 23.4-38.0 cm, respectively) than Nabeta sporophytes (16.4-20.2 mm, 9.2-12.0 cm and 43.0-52.6 cm, respectively). Nevertheless, the number of bladelets of sporophytes from Tei (15-28) and Nabeta (18-29) were within the same range. At Tei, 32-43% of the sporophytes had wrinkled blades in summer and autumn, whereas wrinkled primary blades or bladelets were not observed in Nabeta sporophytes throughout the experimental period. These morphometric differences of E. cava between the two localities are suggested to be dependent on environmental factors, especially seawater temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Transplanting experiments were carried out to determine whether the small type sporophytes with short stipe of Ecklonia cava Kjellman (Laminariales, Phaeophyta) growing in a locality with warm temperatures, change into larger type with a long stipe when transplanted to a locality with cooler temperatures. Juvenile E. cava sporophytes, having a stipe shorter than 5 cm long were collected from Tei in Tosa Bay (southern Japan) (seawater temperature 15-29°C) and transplanted to Nabeta Bay (central Japan) (seawater temperature 13-25°C), where larger type E. cava sporophytes characterized by long stipe (ca 1 m) grow. They were attached to artificial reefs at the sea bottom (9 m depth) in Nabeta Bay to monitor their growth. For comparison, juvenile E. cava sporophytes of almost similar size growing in Nabeta Bay were also transplanted in the same way to the same experimental site. Observations of growth of sporophytes from Tei and Nabeta were carried out monthly for 2 years from November 1995 to October 1997. The transplanted Tei and Nabeta sporophytes showed an increase in stipe length and diameter from winter to spring, whereas almost no increase was observed during summer and autumn. At the end of the study period, the stipe of Nabeta sporophytes reached 25.6 cm in length and 17.0 mm in diameter, whereas that of Tei sporophytes reached 11.1 cm in length and 11.2 mm in diameter. The primary blade length was 16.0 cm in Nabeta sporophytes, whereas it was 5.5 cm in Tei sporophytes. Thus, Tei sporophytes still remained smaller than Nabeta sporophytes even under the same environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Intertidal seaweeds are periodically exposed during low tide and thus experience extreme levels of desiccation. The physiological activity of seaweeds changes during this water loss process. This study examined how desiccation affects the photosynthesis and respiration of seaweeds from different intertidal levels, and whether the ability to retain photosynthesis and respiration rates during desiccation varies among these species. Photosynthesis and respiration rates of 12 species of seaweeds were measured under various levels of desiccation, using an infrared CO2 gas analyzer. High levels of drought negatively affected photosynthesis, while most species showed initial rises in photosynthetic rates. The ability to retain photosynthesis and respiration activities under desiccation conditions varied among species. These physiological responses were not related to the intertidal level at which these species occur, but to their ability to prevent water loss. The species with lower rates of water loss had slower declines in the rate of photosynthesis and respiration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an algorithm is proposed for automatic drawing of undirected graphs. Specifically, a modified method of introducing a fisheye view into the force-directed redrawing algorithm is offered. The proposed representation involves enlargement of regions located near specified nodes and contraction of far regions by varying the edge length while not using node position data, which ensures easy incorporation into the conventional force-directed rearrangement technique. In addition, smooth display of graph transformations using the results of subsequent iterative calculation, which is a feature of the force-directed algorithm, is maintained. © 2001 Scripta Technica, Syst Comp Jpn, 32(12): 60–66, 2001 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY Seasonal patterns of drifting seaweeds in the south-eastern coastal waters of Izu Peninsula of central Japan were examined by sampling 966 patches from spring to autumn 1991–1993. In total, 57 plant species appeared, including 10 epiphytic algal species. Monthly totals of the number of species, excluding epiphytic algae, were highest in May (33) and August (27), though 19–21 species of sargassaceous algae were found from May to August. The number of species, excluding epiphytic algae, in one patch of drifting seaweeds was 1 to 11 (x = 2.93 ± 2.06) with high richness in May a result of almost entirely sargassaceous species. The wet weight of each patch and maximum stipe length of plants varied from 5 to 6970 g and from 20 to 840 cm (x = 536.1 ± 782.3 g and 110.6 ± 76.8 cm), respectively, with highs in April and May. Out of 18 species common to all years, 10 species dominated the top or second rank in monthly pooled frequency of appearance. Seasonal changes of these 10 major species were examined. Sargassum horneri (Turner) C. Agardh and Hizikia fusiformis (Harvey) Okamura were abundant in April, but were replaced partly by Sargassum muticum (Yendo) Fensholt in May and largely by Sargassum yamamotoi Yoshida in June. In July, Sargassum nipponicum Yendo and Sargassum piluliferum (Turner) C. Agardh dominated. Subsequently, the major species shifted to Sargassum ringgoldianum Harvey and S . yamamotoi in August, Sargassum micracanthum (Kützing) Endlicher, Sargassum macrocarpum C. Agardh and Zostera marina Linnaeus in September, and S . ringgoldianum and S . micracanthum in October. However, the occurrence of S . yamamotoi , S . nipponicum and S . piluliferum in June or July were particularly heterogeneous compared with other areas of Japan. Dendrogram analysis was done based on frequency of appearance. Pooled monthly samples were divided into three groups characterized from the dominant species, degree of domination, weight,... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current courseware development has moved to integrate multimedia, the WWW and Internet techniques. We think that the courseware design should not only put teaching materials on the Web and integrate audio/video facilities, but also should focus on other issues, such as user interfaces and software architecture. Our approach is to adapt the general architecture for building a Web site to our courseware development by identifying the roles of system programmers, Web developers, and course designers. The user interfaces is the crucial part for a courseware system. This paper introduces the design for effective user interfaces which can help students' learning. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

SUMMARYThe morphology and fine valve structure of the marine epiphytic diatom Cocconeis heteroidea Hantzsch have been investigated. The entire frustule, including the internal and external structure of the raphid valve (RV) and araphid valve (AV), and the complete cingulum, are described using light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy, using a bleaching method. The strongly sigmoid raphe terminates in elongate hooked helictoglossae internally. The hymenes, with perforations arranged in a centric array, are located near the internal openings of the areolae in the RV. The striae in the AV consist of alveoli occluded by hymenes, that have perforations arranged in a parallel array and are located near the outer surface. The complete cingulum of AV consists of three open bands without fimbriae: a valvocopula, a copula with a ligula and a pleura with a small ligula. The RV has only a valvocopula which is open type and not fimbriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARYA new species of Cocconeis has been found growing on the green seaweed Caulerpa racemosa (Forsskål) J. Agardh var. laete-virens (Montagne) Weber van Bosse from Shikine Island in the Izu Islands on the Pacific coast of Japan; we propose the name Cocconeis shikinensis Hid. Suzuki and describe the species by light microscopy (LM) and electron microscopy (EM). This taxon was also collected from the plastic plates used for rearing in seed production systems of the abalone Nordotis discus hannai Ino and the horned turban Turbo cornutus Solander in the Toyama Prefectural Fisheries Research Institute facing the Sea of Japan. The main morphological features of C. shikinensis are as follows. The valves are elliptic. The valve face of the raphid valve (RV) is slightly concave and that of the araphid valve (AV) is complementary to the RV and convex. The single plastid is flat, C-shaped and elaborately lobed. The raphe on the RV is straight. The each terminal area expands to both sides along the valve margin, forming an arrowhead-shaped, thickened hyaline area. The striae consist of small, round areolae and are radiate and uniseriate. On the AV, the striae consist of several alveoli. Each alveolus opens internally by means of a circular foramen. The valvocopula of each valve is fimbriate and open. The cingulum attached to the AV consists of three girdle bands; a valvocopula and two bands (copula and pleura), which are open and have ligulae. The relationship between C. shikinensis and similar members of the genus Cocconeis is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY Characteristics of photosynthesis and respiration of bladelets were compared between Ecklonia cava Kjellman sporophytes growing in a warmer temperate locality (Tei, Kochi Pref., southern Japan) and in a cooler temperate locality (Nabeta, Shizuoka Pref., central Japan). Photosynthesis and respiration were measured with a differential gas-volumeter (Productmeter). In photosynthesis–light curves at 20°C, the rate of net photosynthesis was almost the same at light intensities lower than 25 μmol m–2 s–1 and the light-saturation occurred at 200–400 μmol m–2s–1 in plants of both localities. The light-saturated net photosynthetic rates were higher in winter and spring than in summer and autumn in both plants. The optimum temperature for net photosynthesis at 400 μmol m–2 s–1 was 27°C throughout the year in the Tei plant and 25–27°C in the Nabeta plant. The decrease of net photosynthetic rates in the supraoptimal temperature range up to 29°C was sharper in winter and spring than in summer and autumn in both plants, being smaller in the Tei plant than in the Nabeta plant in all seasons. The dark respiration rate always increased with water temperature rise in both plants. No clear differences were found in the dark respiration rate between Tei and Nabeta plants except that when measured against dry weight, the Tei plant showed a slightly lower rate as compared with the Nabeta plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular orbital calculations on the model clusters of cuprate superconductor are presented to show the mechanism of insulator to metal transition. Highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMO) of the model clusters of one-dimensional chain showed that the metallic carrier will appear above 6% doping level, which is consistent with experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARYThe growth rate and peak biomass of loosely and tightly attached layers in periphyton communities were measured in slow (39 cm s–1), moderate (67 cm s–1) and fast (137 cm s–1) current regimens using experimental channels. The peak biomasses of the loosely and tightly attached layers were highest in the moderate and fast current regimens, respectively. The growth rate of the loosely attached layer was lower in the fast current regimen than in the other current regimens, however, there was no significant difference in the growth rates of the tightly attached layers. These results indicate that current restricts the biomass accumulation of the loosely attached layer in the slow and fast current regimens, and that biomass accumulation is highest in the moderate current regimen, while in the tightly attached layer the fast current regimen led to a maximization of the biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systematic studies were undertaken on the Caloglossa continua (Okammura) King et Puttock complex from Japan, Singapore, and Austriala, based on morphology and reproductive compatibility. Specimens from Japan had two to six cell rows derived from a nodel axial cell, at the margin opposite the branch, whereas those from Austraila possessed only a single cell now. Specimens from Singapore formed one to four cell rows per nodal axial cell and always contained at least one single cell row on any one thallus. These differences were maintained in cultural materials over a range of temperagtures or salinities. Type material of C. continua had the same morphology as the Japanese specimens in this study. Carpospores discharged from the Japanese isolate germinated at 10°C, whereas those from Singapore and Australia died at this temperature. In hybridization experiments, the Japanese entity was completely nonfertile with both the Singaporean and Australian isolates. Many pseudocystocarps were produced in the crossing between the make from Australia and the female from Singapore, although the reciprocal combination did not produce any such structures. On the basis of the discontinuous morphology coupled with the complete reproducture isolation, the entiries from Singapore and Australia are described here as C. monosticha sp. nov. The entiries with multiple cell rows likely expanded their geographic range from tropical regions, where the majority of Caloglossa species are now distributed, to high-latitude regions, and such an expansion would be associated with acquining low-temperature tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the reproductive structure of Caloglossa ogasawaraensis in nature and culture. Description on the reproductive structures of C. ogasawaraensis; Reproductive characteristics of cystocarpic and tetrasporic plants; Composition of a carpogonial branch.

The article discusses the taxonomy of Protectocarpus speciosus. The article describes thalli epiphytic on Phyllospadix iwatensis, dark brown, forming rounded patches 2-4 mm in diameter, sometimes overlying one another and becoming irregular in outline, showing marginal growth with a distinct marginal line, heterotrichous, and consisting of a basal disc and erect filaments. The basal disc expands over the surface of the substrate, usually monostromatic, but sometimes distromatic in the central part, composed of basal filaments.

Examines the reproductive structures of Dictyopteris undulata from Japan. Distinction of genus Dictyopteris from other genera of the Dictyotales; Analysis of the sporophytes of the male and female gametophytes; Development of tetrasporangia; Illustration of stalk cells from Dictyopteris species.

Morphological and hybridization experiments were performed on Caloglossa leprieurii (Montagne) J. Agardh collected from Japan, Singapore and Australia in order to evaluate taxonomic characters of this species. Within C. leprieurii at least four mating groups were recognized from the Indo-Pacific region. These mating groups could be characterized by the blade width at the internode and the cell-row numbers on the opposite side derived from the first axial cell at the main axis, though these properties showed a certain variability even in the same plant under both field and culture conditions. The phylogenetic relationship and geographic distribution of the four mating groups are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the use of morphological comparisons, hybridization experiments and molecular phylogenetic analyses using the RUBISCO spacer region on 12 populations of red algae Caloglossa leprieurii and C. apomeiotica in order to identify their relationships. Indication that the asexual species was derived from sexual plants of the multiple cell row type; Correlation of reproductive compatibility with genetic distance rather than geographical distance.